Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of the pop star at a brief hearing.
Dr. Conrad Murray appeared in court in a gray suit as Jackson's father Joe, mother Katherine, and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy watched from courtroom seats behind prosecutors.
Neither Murray nor the Jacksons showed much emotion as Murray entered his plea through his attorney Ed Chernoff.
"We need justice," Joe Jackson said outside court before leaving with family members in a fleet of Cadillac Escalades.
Earlier, several people shouted "murderer" as Murray walked past a crowd of hundreds of reporters and Jackson fans on his way to a courthouse adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport.
Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz set bail at $75,000, three times more than the amount most people face after being charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors had been seeking $300,000 bail for Murray, who was taken into custody by deputies but not handcuffed in public. He was expected to be released later in the day.
The judge told Murray he could travel throughout the United States after posting bail but must surrender his passport and not leave the country.
Chernoff said outside court that Murray plans to return to practicing medicine in Nevada and Texas while he awaits trial. The judge ordered him to return to court April 5 for a preliminary hearing.
"He'll be back in Vegas this week, he'll open his medical practice," Chernoff said.
The judge warned Murray he is not to use general anesthesia on anyone while he is free on bail. "I don't want you sedating people," he said.
Deputy state Attorney General Trina Bell also told the judge the state Medical Board is planning to seek the suspension of Murray's medical license. The action would only affect his ability to practice medicine in California.
It appeared authorities were taking extra steps to ensure the arraignment did not become a media circus.
Lines were formed to gain admission to the courtroom, and the Jackson family was escorted in separately and seated before anyone else arrived.
Despite the precautions, the upcoming proceedings promise to be the focus of widespread attention.
Murray is accused of the single felony count in a five-page complaint that said he "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson" by acting "without due caution and circumspection."
The complaint contains no details on Jackson's death, but authorities have said the singer died after Murray administered the anesthetic and other drugs. Murray has said he did nothing that should have caused Jackson to die.
If convicted, the doctor could face up to four years in prison.
Source: AP/ MJackson.com
